Pujols, Agent Wary Of Rivals Looking To Represent Cards' Star

MLB Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols’ agent, Dan Lozano, will endure “a full-court press of rivals aiming to snag his star client by any means,” according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY. Lozano, who has been Pujols’ agent since ’00, said that the soon-to-be free agent “could be playing his final weekend in a Cardinals home uniform.” He said that he would “continue to represent him, but it hasn’t stopped agents from trying to discredit Lozano in hopes of landing Pujols.” Lozano: “I know there’s a target on my back. I know what I signed up for, but do I like it? No. I’m tired of the lies. My players are tired of it, too.” Pujols said, “I’ve heard all of the dirt about Danny from agents for the last 10 years, all trying to sign me. They’re wasting their time. Danny has been an open book. To me, he’s the best agent in the business, and I trust him with my life.” Lozano left the Beverly Hills Sports Council a year ago and said that “his ascent to one of baseball’s high-profile agents has drawn scrutiny and character assassination.” Lozano: “It sounds like envy and jealousy to me. Unfortunately, success breeds resentment, and it can be threatening to my rivals.” Lozano said that he has “nothing to hide while acknowledging he and his old firm made mistakes.” Lozano added, “I just want to take the high road. I don’t want to sling mud” (USATODAY.com, 9/22).